This is the Hobby
Boss 1/48 F/A-18C Hornet with Two Bobs decals. Some people will trash this kit
because it is a Hasegawa copy. However it builds into a nice model, with a
little work. Here is what I did to make the kit more accurate....
- The kit seat is not that
great. So I used a seat from a Monogram Hornet. I also added sidewall
detail, although it is hard to see. The HUD is also from the Monogram kit.
- I did not like the wheel
rim/hub detail on the kit parts. So I used the wheels from a Monogram Hornet
instead. Looks much better!
- The nose gear scissor link on
the HB kit is too long. So I shortened it with just a few cuts with my
knife. Now it looks more like the real thing.
- The tops of the tail fins were
too "round", so I sanded them for a more "flat"
appearance.
- The flaps are molded and
assembled in the "up" position. I wanted them down, so I carefully
"bent" them to the desired position.
- The wing folds are from
Wofpack Designs and are FANTASTIC. The kit leading edge flaps would not fit
the resin wingfolds, so I scratch built them out of sheet stock. They fit
perfectly.
- The intake covers are from
Steel Beech and needed a little adjustment to get them to fit properly.
The covers on the intake splitter plates are made from tape.
- The radar is from Aires and
also fit good.
- I used Eduard RBF tags on the
hook, gear and wing fold locking pins.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The model was
painted with Model Master Acryl. I first airbrushed the bottom Light Ghost Gray.
Then I brush painted the top with Dark Ghost Gray. After this I brush painted
the spine and tails Blue Angels Blue. Then I gloss coated the model for
decaling.
The decals are from
Two Bobs and worked GREAT! No problems at all with silvering, and no bleed
through of the blue paint.
With a little work,
I think the HB kit can be made to look like the Hasegawa at half the price. (You
can get the kit at a GOOD price at Lucky Models) When you put the finished model
next to a Hasegawa kit, it is hard to tell the difference. The kit gave me no
fit issues and went together well. With a little work the Hobby Boss Hornet can
be made into a real winner!
Scott
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